Impending Cyclonic Storm to Batter Odisha and West Bengal

A cyclonic storm is forecasted to form over the Bay of Bengal by October 23, intensifying to affect Odisha and West Bengal with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The IMD has advised fishermen to return to shore by October 21. The storm may escalate to a severe cyclonic storm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that a cyclonic storm is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by October 23, threatening the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal. An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is expected to develop into a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal within 24 hours, according to a special weather bulletin.

The system is set to move west-northwestwards and could intensify into a depression by October 22nd morning, transforming into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move northwestwards, nearing the northwest Bay of Bengal off the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by the morning of October 24.

The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall across the coastal regions from October 23 to 25. IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra projects the storm may advance to a severe cyclonic storm, potentially bringing 20 to 30 cm of rain, with some areas surpassing this amount. Squally winds could reach 100-110 kmph, escalating to 120 kmph from October 24 night to October 25 morning.

(With inputs from agencies.)